October 07, 2010

Files Galore

I have been having so much fun creating for the holidays that I just didn't want to stop. BUT - I did take a break the other day and spend some time playing with the Distressing Essentials Kit (118762). Creating vintage pieces for the holidays, whether it be cards or gifts, could be a real possibility with the help of this kit.

Stampin' Up! has been missing some key components of this kit for awhile. The Sanding Blocks had been available as long as I could remember, but with the introduction of chipboard accents and letters several years ago, other sanding options were needed. Being OCD, I just couldn't cover my chipboard with paper and not be able to sand it to fit perfectly. TRUST ME, the sanding blocks were not any where close to making that possible.

There are three precision files included the Distressing Essentials Kit that now make sanding in any tight space possible. I have close up pictures of each of the three files along with the shape of the file displayed in green. Each file is also beveled to the tip so that even the smallest corners are reachable. Each file has its own specific purpose. For example, the square file would be used where two flat edges meet and the circular file would be used on a nice inner round edge. The best file, in my opinion, is the 'half-circle' file. This is perfect on areas where a flat edge meets a rounded edge (i.e. the inside of the 'e' chipboard).

In addition to the precision files, the kit includes a sanding block and emory board. On one side, the sanding block is much wider than our traditional white Sanding Blocks. This allows you to sand a larger area at a time, as you would with a covered composition notebook.

Now all of these items can be used to smooth edges of adhered card stock, but they are also perfect for distressing card stock. If you hold the file or sanding block perpendicular to the surface that you are sanding you will create a nice smooth edge. The more that you slant the file or block toward the card stock that you are sanding, the more distressed the edge will look.

So far I am in love with this kit. Next time I will go over the vinatage inks that are included and the type of effects that you can get with them.

Want to try these out for yourself? Order yours today and take the stress out of distressing!